On Thursday, March 13, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 200% tariff on wines and other alcoholic beverages from the European Union if the EU does not lift its tariff on whiskey.
Trump criticized the European Union as “one of the most hostile and unfair tax and tariff organizations in the world,” accusing it of exploiting the U.S. He pointed to the EU’s recent 50% tariff on whiskey as “disgraceful.”
He warned that if the tariff “is not immediately removed,” the U.S. would “soon impose a 200% tariff on all wines, champagne, and alcoholic products originating from France and other EU-represented countries.”
“This will be great for the wine and champagne business in the U.S.,” he added.
Previously, Trump had introduced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, which went into effect on Wednesday, March 12. In retaliation, the European Commission announced plans to impose counter-tariffs on American goods worth €26 billion starting next month.
With the latest threat, Trump signaled that the U.S. would escalate its response to EU countermeasures, heightening concerns over a growing trade conflict.
